Cupra is seeking to enter the US market and to take action, it believes it wants a bigger mannequin – and Australia could be in line for it.
Firm CEO Wayne Griffiths confirmed that, ought to such a automobile be produced, it will be a world product, manufactured in each left- and right-hand drive, with a “provocative” design.
Cupra has but to lock in a US market introduction, saying it is “early days”, however has been busily enterprise market analysis and is pushing for the chance.
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Given the style for bigger autos there, Cupra sees room for one thing bigger than the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan– sized Terramar in its line-up.
“The automotive that we might do for the US would even be an incredible automotive for you guys in Australia, I feel,” stated Mr Griffiths, noting it will be a world mannequin.
“You possibly can think about that if we’re seeking to go to the US, we’d like automobiles that may work within the US.
“I feel it will be a mistake a whole lot of producers have made that mistake going with European design automobiles and making an attempt to make them work within the US as a result of the US has particular necessities.
“So that you’re proper that we would want an even bigger automotive. And the larger automotive would additionally need to be an SUV, I feel, as a result of that is what the US prospects need.”
Whereas he warns the automobile hasn’t been confirmed simply but, it will use the brand new SSP structure which is not anticipated to launch till 2028.
“I feel to have the perfect automotive for the US that must be developed that additionally matches with the US market. And subsequently it must be a newly developed automotive, then we must always do this newly developed automotive on the most recent platform that then has the longest time to run,” stated Mr Griffiths.
Even whether it is nearer to a Volkswagen Atlas than a Tiguan in measurement, it’s going to nonetheless have a distinctly sporty focus.
“Please do not use that phrase luxurious for Cupra. As a result of we do not do luxurious automobiles,” warned Mr Griffiths.
“We now have loads of manufacturers within the Volkswagen Group that make luxurious and premium automobiles. We’re not about luxurious, or premium, or large.
“And I imply, that is getting us into an actual lure and an overlap with different manufacturers that we do not want.”
He dominated out a ute for the model, noting that the Volkswagen Group is already engaged on an electrical ute with its upcoming Scout model.
The Volkswagen Group at the moment provides solely the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen manufacturers within the US market, with no SEAT or Skoda presence.
Mr Griffiths sees a gap for Cupra there as a distinct segment model.
“We have simply been doing a little analysis with prospects within the US to see how they react to our model and design. We’ve not completed the report but, however the first outcomes are constructive,” stated Mr Griffiths.
“The model appears to suit with among the US prospects, I imply, it is not going to be a mass model for the US. If we go there, we’ll be a distinct segment, very targeted model, very targeted on sure cities and areas.”
“We’re pushing for it, as you’ll be able to see. However on the finish of the day, we’ve to get the help of the Volkswagen Group.
“And so they need to prioritize this as a result of going to the US with the model is a giant choice when it comes to improvement prices, getting the automobiles prepared for us when it comes to that, but in addition when it comes to the funding it’s important to make to get to enter that market.”
“It should be actually tough to be viable. However so we might be wanting to make use of group synergies when it comes to platforms. And in addition utilizing group synergies when it comes to manufacturing, notably with the Inflation [Reduction] Act within the US now, if you wish to be aggressive.”
The Inflation Discount Act requires EVs to be manufactured in North America to ensure that a US$7500 federal tax credit score to be relevant. By 2029, the Act additionally stipulates that each one battery parts would have to be manufactured in North America for autos to be eligible for the tax credit score.
Mr Griffiths says Cupra would solely go to the US market with a variety of autos, and instructed MEB-based autos might additionally characteristic within the line-up there.
He additionally confirmed that it will observe an analogous retail community mannequin there as in Australia, with a concentrate on digital gross sales.
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